5. The day of father's birthday

It was snowing on the day of my fathers birthday. He was happy with the self-made dream catcher I gave to him. 'I hope it keeps the bad dreams out.' He smiled.

Neji gave him more practical stuff. A new kunai holder and some kunai. 'I can always use that stuff.'

There were some other people too. And although I wished I could walk away and do my own stuff, I had to stay. Father wanted to introduce me to his acquaintances as the new successor of the clan. Nobody seemed to be surprised by it. Most of them even thought it was father who had thrown Hinata out of the clan. But as soon Hinata came in picture, father tried to change subject.

Later on the day, many other people came to visit. I was quite sure they didn't drop by for father's birthday. They just wanted to meet me. I wondered why so many people were interested in the new heiress of our clan. I guess it was because our clan was the eldest around in the village and our clan was classified as noble.

Sometimes I caught glimpses of my cousin, who seemed to be enjoying my humiliation of greeting so many people.

When the evening fell everyone had left. I was glad and so was my father.

'Finally all those people had left. This was probably my most crowded birthday party ever and actually I didn't like it all. '

'Yeah...'

'I can finally be with my most precious family' He smiled as he watched my cousin and me.

'Father?'

'Yes, Hanabi-san?'

'There's something I promised to give to you for your birthday.'

I gave him the envelope of my sister. I didn't know what was in it. I could have used my Byakugan to check it out, but I didn't want to sneak on something. Father looked startled when I gave it to him, but he didn't open it. He putted it in his pocket and left the room.

'Good timing.' Neji said sarcastically.

I remained silent.

'What was in it anyway?'

'I don't know'

'You haven't checked it out?'

'No.'

'May be you should had…'

'Why?'

'You never know what is in it, may be it is something bad, to poison him or something…'

I looked at him. Were we talking about the same person?

'Why would she?'

'You're a main house member, so you probably don't understand. But being a branch house member isn't really a pleasure, our fate is miserable. And since Hinata-sama will become one too, she might want to avenge him on forehand…'

I raised an eyebrow.

'That might be true, but we are talking about HINATA, you know…'

'… Okay, you win…' He laughed.

I blinked at him, he was acting strange for his own.

'So, what is my price?' I teased him.

He smiled to me.

'What do you want?'

I thought deeply, I couldn't really think of something that would pleasure me, but what if I could help him a little on the path of love, he couldn't oppose me now.

'Okay… I want you to confess to the girl you love before tomorrow.'

He frowned. 'You can't give up, can you?'

He stood up and neared me.

'Listen Hanabi-sama, the time to confess to her had not yet come.' He bellowed till he was at my height and pressed his lips on my forehead. 'Believe me, if things were different, I would already have confessed to her…'

With those words he left the room.

I was dumbfounded. A pleasant warmth flowed through my whole body and I blushed. I raised my hand to my forehead and touched the spot where he kissed me. I shook my head. No this was not right. He was five years older, he was my cousin and he was in love with Tenten, he probably meant nothing with it. It was just a kiss family members give to each other.

The next morning I saw him again and he acted like nothing had happened.

'Hanabi-sama, I know it snows, but you can still improve on many points. I will train you this afternoon.' He said with his old familiar voice as if nothing had happened.

Yes, definetly a friendly kiss...

Author's note: This was just a short chapter, but the next chapterwill bea long one though. It's a chapter were Hinata comes in picture again, she will finallyget the seal...